Electrolytic device



Patented Nov. 16, 1937 UNITED STATES PATENT OFFICE ELECTROLYTIC DEVICE Application December 11, 1935, Serial No. 54,881 I In Germany January 1, 1935 'IClaims.

My invention relates to electrolytic devices,

and more particularly to electrolytic condensers.

' Various methods have been proposed for locating and mounting electrolytic condensers within electric apparatus, for instance in radio sets.

For example, condensers provided with a threaded tube on the same end from which the anode connection protrudes, may be mounted in a radio set with the threaded tube projecting down through a hole in the panel and secured thereto by a nut. Such locating oi condensers above the panel has the disadvantage that the condensers are close to parts which produce heat during the ,operation of the apparatus; for instance, rectifying tubes, transformers, etc. The absorption of heat by the electrolyte of the condenser may de- To overcome these thermal difllculties, it has been proposed to mount such condensers below the panel, 1. e., with the anode connection projecting up through a hole in the panel. Such a mounting, however, has the disadvantage that the anode connection within the container is not completely covered by the electrolyte, in which case corrosion may take place at the surface of the electrolyte.

It has also been proposed to use various hooksupports which clamp into a hole in the' mounting panel. Such supports, in addition tobeing of rather complicated and'expensive construction, have the disadvantage that the condenser is not rigidly mounted. Furthermore, such clamps do not contact the panel with a large surface area, and as a result the transition resistance may reach a high value.

40 In accordance with my invention, I eliminate all the above-mentioned disadvantages by providing an electrolytic conderPser with a doublewalled end and with an anode connection at the opposite end, the space formed between the double walls being used for housing both the fastening means and an exhaust device.

Condensers according, to my invention may be located beneath the mounting plate and suspended therefrom so that they will not be exposed to the heat produced by the other parts;

and due to the fact that the anode is located at.

the bottom, any danger of corrosion is avoided, provided the container is sumciently filled with electrolyte.

Further advantages of condensers according to the invention will appear as the specification progresses.

In order that my invention may be more clearly understood and readily carried into effect, it will be more fully'describe in connection with 5 the accompanying-drawing, n which the single figure is a cross-sectional view of an electrolytic condenser according to' my invention.

The condenser shown in the drawing consists of a. container I, for instance of aluminium, open 10 at its lower end and provided on its upper closed end with a dome 1 having two apertures II. The dome l is encircled by a rubber band 8, which in known manner serves to relieve the gas pressure developed in the container during the 'operation of the condenser.

Within the container i and slipped over a rod 3 of conductive material, is a formed anode 2, for instance of aluminum, having a large surface area. Secured to the rod 3 by spinning over the edge, as indicated at l0, or by means of a screw thread and nut, are a rubber gasket 4, a washer 5 of hard insulating material, and a soldering lug 6; the latter serving as the external connection to the anode.

The anode 2t.ogether with rod 3, gasket 4, washer 8, and lug 6 secured thereto-is supported from the lower end of the container 1 by spinning, over the edge thereof, as indicated at H; the gasket 4 being clamped around the edge of washer 5 to give a liquid-tight seal.

The container i is filled with a suitable electrolyte ll to a level above the top of the anode 2, whereby with the condenser mounted in the position illustrated, the anode is completely covered by the electrolyte and no corrosion can occur. F

To the upper end of a container l is secured, for instance by rolling, soldering, or spot-welding, a cap-shaped cover 9 provided with two threaded bushings l3, which serve as fastening means for the condenser. The condenser is supported from a panel It by means of two screws 14 engaging the bushings I3.

The bushings l3 may be of metaL'as shown, or if it is desired to insulate the container from the panel, may be of insulating material, for instance a molding having a threaded insert.

Although a single bushing and screw may be used, I prefer to use two bushings as this provides a more rigid mounting, especially in case of large condensers. Furthermore, a plurality of bushings aflord an increased contact area and a better electrical connection between the mounting plate and the condenser. Such a suspension means, when also serving as a cathode connection, decreases the transition resisce.

Within the space formed between the cover t and the container l is provided a liquid-absorbing substance iii, for instance glass wool, which, as described in U. S. patent application Ser. No. 659,393 of Van Embden now Patent No. 2,ili8,dl7,

serves to prevent the escape of liquid during the exhaust olgas from the condenser. It the cover d is not air-tightly sealed to the container i, for instance spotwelded thereto at several points, the gases escaping through the holes iii, alter passing through the substance it, may pass out I between the walls or the container 9 and the cover. However, if desired vent holes it may be provided in the cover it will be noted that the condenser according -to the invention is of substantially cylindrical contour, of small size, and very compact;e the space between the double wall portion serving to house both the fastening means and also the exhaust device.

While I have described my invention in con-- nection with specific examples and applications, I do not wish to be as permissible in view of the prior art.

Vii'hat I claim is:

i. electrolytic condenser comprising, a con= dd tainer having a closed end, an anode within said 1 r an external connectionat container and rim the other end 'thereoi, a cup-shaped member mechanically secured at the closed end of said container, an exhaust device within the space oi the container, and means positioned wi said space for supporting the condenser.

2. An electrolytic condenser comprising, a container having a double-walled end, the outer wall being provided with a plurality of apertures, an anode within said container and having an external connection at the other end thereof, and means to support said condenser from a panel, said means comprising a. plurality of nuts disposed one beneath. each of said apertures, and screws cooperating with said nuts and passing through the panel.

3. An electrolytic condenser compris a ma tamer ving a double-ed end, anode we; thereto, but desire, the appended claims to be construed as broadly,

formed between said member and the closed end within said container and having an erternal connection extending from the other end thereof, an exhaust device for said condenser, said device being disposed within the space formed at the double-walled end, and means for supporting said condenser and serving asa cathode connection, said means being positioned within said space.

d. An electrolytic condenser comprising a container/ aving a double-walled end, means including :11: apertured protuberance or the inner wall to relieve the pressure in said container, an anode within the container, fastening means for said condenser, and a liquid-absorbing sub stance, said fastening means and absorbing substance being positioned within the space iormed by the double-walled end.

5. An electrolytic condenser comprising a container having a double-walled end, an electrolyte within said container, an anode within said container and having an external connection exteng through the end of the container opposite to the double-walled end, venting means partly within the space rormedat said double-walled end, and means for supporting the condenser container and having an external connection at the other end thereof, .a cup-shaped member slipped over the closed end of said container and 40 secured thereto, said member being provided with a'plurality of apertures, means positioned wi 11 the space between said cup-shaped member ml the closed end of said container to supportsaid condenser from a panel, said meansv comprising aplurality of nuts disposed between said apertures, and screws cooperating with said nuts and passing ough the panel. 

